Improvement in watch-keys



F. E. ALLEN & S. G. HALL.

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FRANCIS E. ALLEN AND SAMUEL G. HALL, O F KEENE, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

i IMPROVEMENT IN WATCH-KEYS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 143,653, dated October 14, 1873; application filed August 15, 1873.

To altwhom it may concern:

Be it known that we, FRANcis E. ALLEN and SAMUEL G. HALL,-both of Keene, in the county of Cheshire and State of New Hamp; shire, have invented certainImprovements in Watch-Keys, of which the following is a speciiication:

v This invention has for its obj eet the preventing of the key irom being filled with dirt when carried in the pocket 3 and it consists in making the stem-socket separate from the handle, so that it may be inserted into the handle after use in winding, and thereby conceal the socket within the handle or case of the key.

Figure 1 represents the key complete and ready for use. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the same. Fig. is -a sectional view, showing the socket-stem inserted or turned into the case or handle for concealment.

At A is shown the handle of the key, and it is made in a tubular form, usually of sheet metal, struck up by dies to about the shape here shown, and the large end is covered with a cap to inclose it. The smaller end of said tube receives the socket-stem, or key-cylinder proper, which is shown at B, and which is usually made of steel and tempered, and is made to t nicelyin the small tubular portion of the holder A; and in one side of said stem is inserted a pin, as at C, which projects out far enough to engage in a slot in the tube, as at D, Fig. 1, and which will prevent the stein from tiuning on its axis in the handle during the operation of winding the watch. Said pin also serves as a stud, against which the nail of the ,thumb or finger may act to slide the stem B out of the tube A when wanted for use. It also acts as a stop to prevent the stem or pipe from being pushed too far into the socket or handle.

When ready for use the parts are in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2; but when ready to be carried in the pocket the socket-ste1n is inserted or turned into the handle, as represented at Fig. 3.

We are aware that pencil tips or points have been turned into their cases or handles 'to protect them, but they are not provided with a slot andv stud to prevent their being turned when in use, as this key requires, or some equivalent therefor. We are also aware that a key-barrel has been pivoted between branching arms of a holder, but in such devices the sides of the holder are provided with openings to permit of the key-barrel being turned on its axis, and thus permit the entrance of dirt, Ste., through said openings, which soon clogs up the slotted end of the key-barrel, and renders it necessary to cleanse the same before it can be used. By our construction this is obvated.

We therefore claimp The holder A having the longitudinal slot D, in combination with the removable and reversible key-barrel B having the lateral stud C, all constructed and arranged to operate substantially as and for the purpose speciiied.

FRANCIS E. ALLEN. SAM. G. HALL. Witnesses:

J. F. WHITCOME, C. D. ROBINSON. 

